Anyone want to show me how to knit a scarf?

[Freud]

I know nothing about knitting, but I really want to!! Anyone know where I can find videos of how to begin, do the knots (?) and how to end? A simple type of scarf and technique? Also, what type of needles (? size?) do I need?

[Think of Winter]

Try knittinghelp.com for technique. It does take a while to get a consistent stitch without adding or losing stitches. But if you really want to just go for it, go buy a ball of yarn you like, and the needles it recommends. It'll give you the gauge, and from that you can figure out how many stitches to cast on to get the width you want. That's really all you need to start. Then just knit, turn, knit, turn, til it's as long as you want. Buy something pretty that feels good in your hands. Wool is a lot easier on your hands than cotton.

[Freud]

Thanks!!

Will I only need one ball of yarn for a scarf?

[Think of Winter]

Originally Posted by Freud

Thanks!!

Will I only need one ball of yarn for a scarf?

Maybe. Depend on the skein you buy. If you find something you love, get 2, or buy something pretty generic, like Pattons Merino. This is where a pattern helps. You could join Ravelry and do a search on easy scarf patterns. Btw, I wouldn't buy a boucle or fuzzy or novelty yarn to learn with. A nice, plain worsted or bulky will allow you to see your stitches more clearly.

[Freud]

Thanks again! Now, I've looked at knittinghelp.com, but I don't think I've found a video for this: if I need two balls of yarn, how do I add the second one to where the first one ends on the needle? Is there a video for this?

[treegardner]

Also, Lion's Brand yarn has a website with a lot of free patterns. They have some really easy beginner's knitting and crocheting patterns.

[VeezieTG]

try youtube too... i learned to knit 2 years ago or so with knittinghelp, youtube and a pocket idiot's guide to knitting...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjMcVXXf9ss

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVVmVC8tCrs

same principal... also try meetup.com, yahoo groups, google groups for local knitting groups who meet up together. i walked into my first group with a cast-on row and a knit row and have learned virtually everything else from these amazing women!

[Think of Winter]

Originally Posted by Freud

Thanks again! Now, I've looked at knittinghelp.com, but I don't think I've found a video for this: if I need two balls of yarn, how do I add the second one to where the first one ends on the needle? Is there a video for this?

It's called "joining yarn", and you can learn when you get there. It's not at all hard.

[Freud]

Originally Posted by Think of Winter

It's called "joining yarn", and you can learn when you get there. It's not at all hard.

Thank you! I knew there had to be some term for that process. I never would have found it by myself. This will be interesting!

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

You tube has lot's of how to videos.

I recommend choosing a lighter colored yarn when you are first learning as it is easier to see your stitches than a dark yarn.

[AlwaysByMySide]

A friend of mine has become the scarf knitting queen, and she uses a loom. The traditionalists, I'm sure, will have a big problem with me even mentioning it, but she is technically knitting, making beautiful scarves, and having a great time doing it.

(FTR, I do it old-school on needles. )